Scammers might promise you a job, lots of money, or work you can do at home. But they make you pay them before they help you. If you pay them, you will lose your money and will not get a job. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has put together tips on how to spot, avoid, and respond to job scams.

How Do I Spot a Job Scam?

Look for these signs of a scam. Scammers might:

  • Promise you a job.
  • Promise you a government job.
  • Offer you the secret to getting a job.
  • Promise that you will make lots of money by working at home.
  • Offer you a certificate to improve your chances of getting a job.

Scammers will always ask you to pay first. That is the biggest sign of any scam. Never pay in advance. Someone might say you cannot lose, but that is not true. You will lose money.

How Can I Avoid a Job Scam?

  • Never deal with anyone who promises you a job. No one can promise you a job.
  • Do not pay in advance for information about a job. Even if there is a money-back guarantee.
  • Do not deal with anyone who says you have to act fast.
  • Ignore promises to make thousands of dollars working in your own home. Those promises are lies.

What If I Already Paid Someone, but I Did Not Get Anything?

If you send money and did not get help finding a job, report it to the FTC.

The FTC uses complaints to build cases against scammers. Any information you give can help investigators.

Source: FTC – Job Scams. What To Do – Sheet